Lakers vs Rockets Game 3 Picks and Odds

• The Los Angeles Lakers tied up their second round series with the Houston Rockets with a Sunday win
• Russell Westbrook struggled throughout Game 2 and is under pressure ahead of Tuesday’s Game 3
• Get the latest odds, betting discussion and a pick below

The Lakers have lost the opening game of both of their playoff series in the bubble. Trailing the Houston Rockets, the Lakers needed a win in Game 2 and they delivered, just as they did in the first round. The series is tied ahead of Tuesday’s Game 3.

The meeting of the super-big Lakers and the ultra-small Rockets is fascinating. It is a clash of contrasting basketball philosophies, and a battle of two coaches wanting to play their way. There are four inner-circle superstars in this series, four players who are looking for a potentially legacy-altering series win.

Per the Lakers vs Rockets odds, LA is heavily favored to take a 2-1 series lead.

Lakers vs Rockets Game 3 Odds

Odds taken September 7

Russ Keeps Shooting

Russell Westbrook shot 25.8% from three in the regular season. He’s been below 20% in the playoffs. The Lakers, like every defense, are happy for Westbrook to take threes. The former MVP attempted seven shots from beyond the arc on Sunday, and he hit just one of them.

The Rockets revamped their roster to help Westbrook. They removed Clint Capela from the lane to give him space to drive, surrounding him with shooters so he doesn’t have to take shots from deep. Houston shoots more threes than anyone else in the league, but Westbrook is meant to be the team’s anomaly. He’s a driver, he’s a great finisher, and he definitely shouldn’t be taking seven threes in a playoff game.

Russell Westbrook had 7 turnovers tonight, which is the second time this postseason and 15th time in his playoff career with 7+ turnovers (since 2010).

Only LeBron has as many playoff games with 7+ turnovers since then. The difference is LeBron has played 83 more playoff games.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) September 7, 2020

There are times when Westbrook looks lost, a player disconnected from the rest of the Houston offense. Playing at his best before the season was postponed, Westbrook was relentlessly aggressive, attacking the cup at will.

Perhaps the quad injury that saw him miss the start of the postseason is slowing him down, and making him reject driving opportunities. Maybe the size of the Lakers is putting him off those surging drives to the basket. Whatever the reasoning, the Rockets cannot afford another offensive performance like Sunday’s from Westbrook.

Tucker Factor

P.J. Tucker is the heart of this Rockets team. Playing at the five and knocking down threes, he provides both interior defense and spacing. He guards Anthony Davis and went four-for-seven from deep in Game 2. Tucker played 34 minutes on Sunday, fewer than Mike D’Antoni would like. Foul trouble was an issue, and that could prove pivotal in this series.

Every team needs a PJ Tucker

— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) September 7, 2020

Davis averaged 8.57 free throw attempts per game in the regular season, good for seventh in the NBA. He got to the line at will in the first round, and avoiding fouling him might be the difference between wins and losses for Houston. Tucker was +18 in Game 2 – he’s strong enough to compete with Davis in the post and box him out.

The 35-year-old was the only Rockets defender who troubled Davis – the All-NBA forward went 7-for-8 from the field when guarded by James Harden, Jeff Green or Danuel House. Tucker held him to 53.8% and registered a couple of blocks.

Davis played the majority of his minutes at the five in Game 2. It will be interesting to see how Frank Vogel uses his other big men in Game 3. Playing Davis at the five makes sense in a lot of ways for the Lakers, and it’s a better defensive matchup with Houston, but it lessens their size advantage, and makes it easier to have Tucker sticking to Davis throughout the game.

Rockets Keep It Close

Better offensive decisions from Westbrook and the Rockets might be up 2-0. The Lakers needed dominant play from LeBron James down the stretch to level the series, and Houston’s defense remains impressive. They are so mobile on the perimeter, the Lakers have been unable to take advantage of their size.

LeBron James in the 4th tonight:

Dunk (2)
Charge (turnover)
Alley oop (2)
assist (2)
steal
block
drew a foul (2-2 free throws)
turnover
missed three-point shot
assist (2)
fadeaway (2)

3-4 shooting

12 points created and series tied.

— Josh Eberley🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) September 7, 2020

The Lakers are rightly favored to win Game 3. They could still take this series comfortably, but the Rockets have been so, so good on the defensive end. There’s always a chance Houston has a freezing cold shooting night and get blown out, but if Westbrook cuts down the long-range attempts, and Harden continues to be aggressive, they will generate enough offense to be competitive on Tuesday.

Houston to cover looks like the best bet, though there could be value in backing the under.

Pick: Houston Rockets +5.5 (-110)